In autumn, Padua lights up with colors and flavors, from turning red trees and luminous mists on the Euganean Hills to chestnuts roasting on the fire and new wine. Here are our suggestions on what to see and do in Padua in autumn 2025:
- Which are the must-see places to Visit in Padua?
- The Modigliani and Picasso Exhibition at Palazzo Zabarella
- Fiera delle Parole (Festival of Words)
- Classical or Jazz Concerts
- “Salone dei Sapori” Food Festival
- Autumn Foliage in the Euganean Hills
- Sagra dei Maroni (Chestnut Festival) in Teolo
- The Medieval Village of Arquà Petrarca
1. Which are the must-see places to Visit in Padua?
After suggesting what to see in Padua in three days and how to discover the 14th-century fresco cycles with the apps dedicated to the Padua Urbs Picta project, here is our selection of 8 must-see places in the city, all easily accessible from our accommodations:
- Padua Cathedral
- Cathedral Baptistery
- Palazzo del Bo’
- Piazza delle Erbe and Palazzo della Ragione
- Prato della Valle
- Basilica of Saint Anthony
- Botanical Garden
- Scrovegni Chapel
2. The Modigliani and Picasso Exhibition at Palazzo Zabarella
From October 16 to January 25, 2026, Palazzo Zabarella will host the exhibition “Modigliani, Picasso and the
Voices of Modernity.” This exhibition is a celebration of 20th-century art, featuring big names from the historical avant-garde like Modigliani, Picasso, Braque, Léger, and Mirò, as well as lesser-known artists who opened up new artistic scenarios closer to contemporary art, such as Gertrude O’Brady and Camille Bombois.
3. Fiera delle Parole (Festival of Words)
From October 1 to 5, 2025, Padua will once again host the “Fiera delle Parole”. There will be many free-entry
meetings with writers, journalists, and actors in various city locations. For information on the program and reservations, visit the website.
4. Classical or Jazz Concerts
From September to December, the concert series “Scatola sonora” at Barco Teatro, located at via Orto Botanico 12, will offer classical and contemporary music concerts every Saturday at 8:30 p.m. From 7 p.m., you can access the theater bar for aperitifs and snacks before the concert.
For jazz lovers, the “Padova Jazz Festival” runs from November 6 to 23, with concerts in historic venues like
the Teatro Verdi, the Caffè Pedrocchi, and the Sala dei Giganti at Liviano.
5. “Salone dei Sapori” Food Festival
From October 5 to 12, 2025, the “Salone dei Sapori” returns to Padua. It’s the first food festival created in the
city center to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Europe’s oldest covered market, the “Mercato sotto il Salone”. The market, the three surrounding squares, and the Caffè Pedrocchi will host the event, focusing on food and beverage, culture, meetings, music, and entertainment.
… What to do near Padua?
6. Autumn Foliage in the Euganean Hills
The colors of the foliage in the Euganean Hills, from red to gold to copper, offer a breathtaking spectacle. Just a few kilometers from Padua, you can walk among the chestnut woods of Monte Venda and stop to taste the new wine and local specialties, such as “bigoi” with duck, pumpkin risotto, and the traditional Paduan hen.
Want to learn more about the wines of our hills? Check out our article “Strada del Vino sui Colli Euganei,”
(Wine Route) where you’ll find information on the places that produce the most typical wines and products of the Padua area.
7. Sagra dei Maroni (Chestnut Festival) in Teolo
On the Sundays of October 19 and 26, the ancient “Sagra dei Maroni” village festival takes place in Teolo, about 20 km from Padua. There are roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and music for everyone in Piazza Perlasca. You can also taste typical dishes like Chestnut Minestrone, “Poenta in piassa coi fasoi in Brentona” (a traditional humble Venetian dish of polenta with stewed beans), and the ever-present “Pasta e fasoi,” cooked with traditional “maltagliate” noodles. You can also try the typical local wines: red, raboso, dry white, and sweet muscat.
8. The Medieval Village of Arquà Petrarca
Francesco Petrarca, one of Italy’s greatest poets, made this charming medieval village his home. Arquà Petrarca (just over 20 km from Padua) is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and has received the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag award. As you walk among the charming stone houses, residences, and various taverns, you can come across Petrarch’s house. The poet had it restored in 1369, paying special attention to the beautiful garden full of plants, flowers, and shrubs, and the splendid interior rooms frescoed with scenes inspired by his main works.
The poet lived here until his death in 1374, dedicating most of his time to revising his “Canzoniere”. (for visits: Casa-del-Petrarca) A short drive or walk away, you’ll reach the “Pianoro del Mottolone”, an enchanting panoramic point from which to enjoy an extraordinary view of all the Euganean Hills, especially at sunset.
Arquà Petrarca also hosts delightful autumn events:
On Sundays, October 5 and 12, don’t miss the traditional “Festa delle Giuggiole”, celebrating the area’s most
typical product: the jujube fruit and its famous liqueur.
The sweet, flavorful liqueur—known as “brodo di giuggiole”—is made from jujubes, quinces, lemon peel,
grapes, and pomegranates. Another must-try is the Spritz Euganeo, an aperitif created locally with a jujube garnish instead of the classic olive. The festival will also feature medieval dances, flag-throwers, drummers, jesters, and actors in period costumes, including Petrarch and his beloved Laura.
On Sunday, November 16, there will be the traditional Fiera dell’Olio Novello, dedicated to the area’s new olive
oil. The event will include tastings of fresh oil and other local products, as well as a competition to crown the
year’s best olive oil.
For more information: info@borgopetrarca.it
Photo via:
zabarella.it
fieradelleparole.it
padovasorprende.it
salonesapori.it
comitatopopolareteolo.it
arquapetrarca.com
Matteo Danesin